Once an unheard term, cosplay has in recent years captured quite a following among local youths. And while the general public still remains mystified by the concept, cosplay is no longer an uncommon sight at the various games and anime fairs held here each year. We recently had the pleasure of having an interview with Geraldine, one of Singapore’s own cosplayers.

Q1. Since when and for how long have you been cosplaying?
2006, so 4 years but I was on a short hiatus till 2009~

Q2. How were you introduced to cosplay? What about it attracted you to start cosplaying yourself?
My friend was in a Bleach cosplay team for Cosfest 2006 and asked me to join and I thought, ‘why not!’.
I think it helps you take your mind off school or work, a short escape from the harsh reality of our hectic world.

Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler

Q3. That’s true. Could you also share with us what are some characters you have cosplayed as?
– Kurotsuchi Nemu from Bleach
– Amane Misa from Death Note
– Yuujiro Shihoudani from Princess Princess / Puri puri
– Kisaki from Phantasmagoria
– Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler
– Aikawa Rami from DOLLS

Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler

Q4. Why do you choose to cosplay these characters?
Their character design and personality appeals to me and also for some characters, it was a request that I cosplay those with friends.
I tend to pick male characters more than female characters for no reason in particular.

Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler

Q5. What was your favorite cosplay? Why?
Ciel Phantomhive (Kuroshitsuji) and Aikawa Rami (DOLLS) because I love the outfits and it was quite comfortable in them (^0^)/

Q6. On what occasions do you cosplay?
Photoshoots and events.

Kisaki from Phantasmagoria

Q7. Do you cosplay alone or together with friends?
Recently I like to cosplay alone but I have cosplayed with others before. We all follow a “theme” which is just based on what anime series it is.
Other than that, there isn’t a particular theme to it. (^-^)

Kisaki from Phantasmagoria

Q8. What do you think about the cosplay in Singapore? The community in general, compared to those in other countries?
It has definitely improved since 2005 and I’m glad other communities are also helping to develop it!
We have more cosplay events now and more people are open to the idea of cosplaying so we aren’t shunned away from public like in the past.

Q9. Are there any other characters you would like to cosplay in the future?
Yes! I have a whole list but I’m definitely doing the following this year because I’m in a team (finally! haha) :
– Lamento: Rai
– DOGS: Bullets & Carnage: Badou
– UTAUloid:Yone Mochitsuki
– DOLLS: Various!

Kisaki from Phantasmagoria

Q10. Is there anything else you would like to say to viewers.
Thanks for viewing and reading through my possibly boring interview answers!
Feel free to drop me a message too when you check out my CURE at http://en.curecos.com/profile/?ch=129058 ! (^-^)/

MJBorn and raised in Singapore, MJ earns his keep by pushing pixels around as a media designer. Other jobs include getting paid taking pictures, as well as being a full time fanboy for all things cool & kawaii. MJ shoots with a Canon 5DmkII.